I don't use an umbrella because 1) I live in Southern California and it generally only rains 3 days a year, 2) I might poke someone's eye out, and 3) Where do you store the thing when it's wet?

Hironao Tsuboi, a creative designer, solved the third problem by creating anumbrella that stands on it's own. That wasn't as easy as it sounds; apparently he had to determine the center of gravity by a complex process by casting aluminum into different clay molds. Further series of tests were carried out to determine the optimal spread of the three legs.

Made of ABS synthetic resin (plastic), the umbrella remains steady but also handy when you need it, say if a spontaneous water pistol fight breaks out or in case you're unlucky enough to live somewhere where it rains all the time.

Don't run out to buy it quite yet; it still remains a concept project.

More on umbrellas:
Weather forecasting umbrella, plan for puddles
Almost unbreakable umbrella: Senz
Music in the Rain
NanoNuno umbrella featured in Time's Best Inventions 2006
Protect your camera with the Popabrella